Movable head restraint for improved vision

ABSTRACT

Various head restraints are disclosed, such as one embodiment with a central head restraint portion extending from a vehicle seat back for supporting a head of an occupant. A lateral head restraint portion is oriented at a lateral side of the central head restraint portion for also supporting the head of the occupant. An actuator cooperates with the lateral head restraint portion for moving the lateral head restraint portion out of a lateral line of sight of the occupant in response to an input from the vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to head restraints for vehicle seats.

2. Background Art

Head restraints for vehicle seats are provided for comfort and safety ofan occupant. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,590,993, which issued on Jan.7, 1997 discloses a head restraint for a vehicle seat.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top plan schematic view illustrating a vehicle interior witha head restraint of a vehicle seat in cooperation with an occupant andin cooperation with a vehicle system according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a front elevation view of a partially disassembled headrestraint embodiment in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of the head restraint of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is another front elevation view of the vehicle head restraint ofFIG. 2, illustrated in another position thereof;

FIG. 5 is a front elevation schematic view of another head restraintembodiment in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of another head restraint embodiment inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a top plan schematic view of the head restraint of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a top plan schematic view of yet another vehicle headrestraint embodiment in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a front elevation schematic view of another vehicle headrestraint embodiment in accordance with the present invention; and

FIG. 10 is a top plan schematic view of yet another vehicle headrestraint embodiment in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosedherein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodimentsare merely exemplary of the invention that may be embodied in variousand alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily to scale; somefeatures may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particularcomponents. Therefore, specific structural and functional detailsdisclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as arepresentative basis for the claims and/or as a representative basis forteaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the presentinvention.

Referring now to FIG. 1, an automotive environment, such as a vehicleinterior is illustrated and referenced generally by numeral 20. Thevehicle interior 20 is also illustrated in cooperation with the vehiclesystem 22. The vehicle interior 20 illustrates a front row of seats 24and a rear row of seats 26. The front row of seats 24 is illustratedwith a driver seat 28 and a passenger seat 30. The vehicle interiorarrangement is one embodiment of a vehicle interior arrangement fortransporting passengers upon multiple seats within the vehicle interior20, such as within an automotive vehicle.

A driver seat 28 is illustrated with a seat bottom 32 mounted to a floorof the vehicle interior 20. A seat back 34 extends from the seat bottom32. The seat bottom 32 supports an occupant O seated thereon; and theseat back 34 supports a back of the occupant O resting against the seatback 34.

A head restraint 36 is provided extending from the seat back 34 forsupporting a head of the occupant O for comfort and safety. In theadvent of continual development of safety features, head restraints,such as the head restraint 36 are gradually being designed to beoriented closer to the head of the occupant. As head restraints aredesigned closer to the head of the occupant, a range of lateral sight ofthe occupant is reduced.

For example, and referring to FIG. 1, the occupant O is provided with anoutboard range of lateral line sight θ. The range of lateral line sightθ is bounded at a forward region by an A-pillar of the vehicle and isbounded in a rearward region by the head restraint 36. Likewise, theoccupant O has a lateral range of vision φ in the direction of thepassenger seat 30. The range of lateral vision φ is bounded in theforward direction by an A-pillar on the passenger side, and is boundedin the rearward direction by the head restraint 36. As head restraints,such as head restraint 36, are designed in close proximity to theoccupant, the lateral ranges of vision θ, φ are consequently reduced.Although safety is improved due to the evolving designs of headrestraints, a lateral range of sight may be reduced thereby imposingdifficulties on the occupant O, such as discomfort in peering around thehead restraint or reduction in safety by blocking the occupant's lateralline of sight.

In order to enhance the lateral ranges θ, φ of sight of the occupant O,without detracting from the safety provided by the head restraint 36,the head restraint 36 includes movable lateral portions 38, 40, whichmay translate linearly, for enhancing the lateral ranges of vision θ, φto enlarged lateral ranges of vision θ′, φ′. Additionally, the lateralhead restraint portions 38, 40 may move automatically when desired. Forexample, the occupant O may require large lateral ranges of vision whileturning, changing lanes or reversing. Accordingly, the head restraint 36may move the lateral portions 38, 40 during such operations of thevehicle system 22. The lateral portions 38, 40 may be movable paddedportions or may be inflatable air bladders.

The head restraint 36 may include an actuator (such as actuator 60described below with reference to FIG. 2), which receives a signal fromthe vehicle system 22 for actuating one or both of the lateral headrestraint portions 38, 40. For example, the vehicle system 22 mayinclude a central processing unit (CPU) 42 in electrical communicationwith the seat 28 for providing a signal to the head restraint 36 forpowering one or both of the lateral head restraint portions 38, 40.

Driving in reverse is one common operating condition wherein rearwardlateral vision is beneficial. Accordingly, a gear shifter 44 that is incommunication with a transmission 46 of the vehicle system 22, maygenerate a signal directly to the seat 28 or via the CPU 42 for movingthe lateral head restraint portions 38, 40. The reverse operation maymove the inboard lateral head restraint portion 40 for enhancing theoccupant's lateral range of vision φ′ for looking out a rear windowwhile driving in reverse. Alternatively, the reverse operation may moveboth lateral head restraint portions 38, 40 so that both ranges oflateral vision θ′, φ′ are enlarged in the rearward direction. Of course,the invention contemplates that the ranges of lateral vision θ′, φ′ maybe shifted, for improved rearward vision, without enlarging the ranges.

Other driving conditions that may benefit from improved rearward visionin the lateral ranges θ′, φ′ include turning or changing lanes whereinthe occupant O may look rearward for checking the existence of othervehicles. Thus, a turn indicator lever 48 may be provided in the vehicleinterior 20 for actuation by the occupant O. The turn indicator lever 48communicates electronically with turn indicators 50 of the vehiclesystem 22 for displaying a visual signal to adjacent or proximatevehicles, thereby indicating the occupant's intention to change lanes orturn the vehicle. The turn indicator lever 48 may communicate with theturn indicators 50 directly or via the CPU 42. Likewise, the turnindicator lever 48 may also provide a signal to the seat 28 foractuating the lateral head restraint portions 38, 40. Thus, as theoccupant O decides to turn left and signals such intention by actuationof the turn indicator lever 48, the left lateral head restraint portion38 may move to improve the occupant's outboard lateral range of visionθ′. Also, if the occupant O decides to turn right or move to a rightlane, actuation of the turn indicator lever 48 generates an input thatmoves the inboard lateral head restraint portion 40 thereby improvingthe occupant's inboard lateral range of vision φ′. Alternatively, bothlateral head restraint portions 38, 40 may be actuated in response toeither signal of turn direction indication.

There are some conditions wherein the occupant O may turn or changelanes without actuating the turn indicator lever 48. Accordingly, theCPU 42 may monitor steering conditions of the vehicle, such as asteering angle of a steering wheel 51. If the steering wheel 51 isrotated a predetermined amount, the CPU 42 may communicate with the headrestraint actuator for moving the corresponding lateral head restraintportion 38, 40.

Although various examples and conditions are illustrated and describedfor moving the head restraint 36, the invention contemplates thatvarious other conditions are contemplated within the spirit and scope ofthe present invention and corresponding inputs may be provided to thehead restraint 36 for moving the head restraint 36 or a portion of thehead restraint 36 for enhancing the occupant's vision.

With reference now to FIGS. 2 and 3, one embodiment of the headrestraint 36 is illustrated in greater detail. The head restraint 36 isillustrated with a pair of laterally spaced rods 52 that are mounted tothe seat back 34 for extending the head restraint 36 above the seat back34. The rods 52 support a stationary center bun 54 of the head restraint36, which is illustrated partially disassembled with a front housingportion removed from a rear housing portion 55. The center bun 54 ispadded on a side 56 facing the occupant for comfort and safety of theoccupant O and the padding and cover are disassembled in FIGS. 2-4 toreveal otherwise concealed components of the head restraint 36.Additionally, the rods 52 may be formed integrally with a centraltransverse portion that is received within a torque control 57 of therear housing portion 55 for limited tilt adjustment of the headrestraint 36 relative to the rods 52 about a horizontal axis.Alternatively, the head restraint 36 may be incorporated into the seatback 38, such as in an integrated seat, or in a sport seat, which oftendo not utilize rods 52.

The rear housing portion 55 of the center bun 54 has an inner cavity 58with a rotary solenoid 60 disposed therein, which may be powered by acable 62 extending through one of the rods 52. The solenoid may alsoreceive a signal from the vehicle system 22 through the cable 62 or by awireless signal transmitted by the vehicle system 22.

In one embodiment, two pairs of tracks 64, 65, 66, 67 are displacedwithin the inner cavity 58 of the center bun 54 for providing a guidefor lateral head restraint portions 38, 40. Each lateral head restraintportion 38, 40 is provided with a bracket 68 extending from the backsidewith a pair of keys 69, 70 extending into the tracks, such as tracks 64,65 illustrated in FIG. 3. The lateral head restraint portions 38, 40 areboth illustrated in FIG. 2 as a pair of padded lateral side buns, whichare each sized to extend from the stationary center bun 54 during anordinary driving operation as illustrated in FIG. 2.

The solenoid 60 is illustrated driving a pair of slider-crank mechanisms71, 72 for moving the lateral head restraint portions 38, 40. Forexample, the solenoid 60 may drive a primary link 73 for rotation aboutits center, and which is pivotally connected to a pair of links 74, 75.Each link 74, 75 is also pivotally connected to one of the lateral headrestraint portions 38, 40. Thus, in response to a signal indicating thatthe vehicle system 22 is in a reverse or turn indication mode, thesolenoid 60 is driven clockwise in FIG. 2 thereby driving link 74 to theleft, and link 75 to the right, for moving the lateral head restraintportions 38, 40 upon the brackets 68 and keys 69, 70 along the tracks64, 65, 66, 67. As the lateral head restraint portions 38, 40 are moved,they retract into the center bun 54 as illustrated in FIG. 4.

In the retracted orientation depicted in FIG. 4, both lateral viewingranges θ, φ are improved to ranges θ′, φ′. Once the occupant O shiftsthe vehicle out of reverse, or discontinues turn signal indication, thesolenoid 60 may rotate counterclockwise thereby driving the links 74, 75outward for returning the lateral head restraint portions 38, 40 to anordinary design position of FIG. 2. Alternatively, the rotary solenoid60 may be provided with a mechanical return, such as a spring return,for automatically returning the head restraint portions 38, 40 in theabsence of the signal.

The tracks 64, 65 on the right side of FIG. 2 are offset verticallyupward from center for providing clearance for the link 74. Likewise,the tracks 66, 67 shown on the left side of FIG. 2 are offset verticallydownward from center for providing clearance for the associated link 75.Thus a compact head restraint center bun 54 may be provided with themoving lateral head restraint portions 38, 40. For additional stability,the bracket 68 may extend further inboard in cooperation with the tracks66, 67, as illustrated in phantom in FIG. 2. The bracket 68 may includea cutout for clearance of the solenoid 60. Various and alternativetracks may be employed in various directions within the spirit and scopeof the present invention for improving the occupant's range of vision.

In one embodiment, the brackets 68 are formed from a high strengthplastic; and the tracks 64, 65, 66, 67 are also formed from a highstrength plastic. Of course, any suitable material may be utilized toform the brackets 68 and tracks 64, 65, 66, 67. The inventioncontemplates that bearing assemblies such as ball bearings or rollerbearings may be utilized for reducing friction between the cooperatingbrackets 68 and tracks 64, 65, 66, 67. Likewise, any suitable frictionreducing engagement may be employed within the spirit and scope of thepresent invention.

Although a solenoid 60 is illustrated for actuating the embodiment ofFIGS. 2-4, the invention contemplates utilization of any suitableactuator within the spirit and scope of the present invention, such as amotor, cylinder, air bladder or an electromechanical actuator. Theinvention also contemplates actuators of various power sources includingelectric and pneumatic. Although the solenoid 60 is described as arotary solenoid 60, the invention contemplates various solenoids. Forexample the solenoid could be a linear solenoid connected to one of thelinks, such as link 74, for driving the lateral head restraint portions38, 40. The primary link 73 could be pivotally connected to the rearhousing portion 55 for facilitating actuation of both head restraintportions 38, 40 concurrently.

Although the lateral head restraint portions 38, 40 are illustratedextending to a laterally outboard position in FIG. 2, the inventioncontemplates that the center bun 54 could include a laterally outboardportion 76, illustrated in phantom in FIG. 2. The laterally outboardportion 76 is provided with a window 77 that is filled with the lateralhead restraint portion 40 in the design position of FIG. 2. Once thelateral head restraint portion 40 is retracted as illustrated in FIG. 4,the occupant O is provided with improved rearward vision through thewindow 77. The laterally outboard portion 76 and window 77 may beprovided on both lateral sides of the center bun 54.

The invention contemplates that a lock may be provided to prevent manualmovement of the lateral head restraint portions 38, 40. Thus, theactuator or linkage may disengage the lock and subsequently move thelateral head restraint portions 38, 40.

For illustrative purposes only, a non-limiting example of dimensions forthe head restraint 36 may include an overall width of the head restraint36 in the ordinary design position of twenty-five centimeters plussuitable tolerances and an overall width of the head restraint 36 in theretracted position of FIG. 4 of seventeen centimeters plus suitabletolerances.

With reference now to FIG. 5, another head restraint 78 embodiment isillustrated within the spirit and scope of the present invention. Thehead restraint 78 includes a rod 79 with a pair of distal ends thatextend into the seat back 34. A linear solenoid 80 is mounted to the rod79. The linear solenoid 80 has a shaft 81 that extends from one lateraldirection, the right side, of the solenoid 80. The shaft 81 is securedto a frame 82 of a padded right side head restraint bun 83. The frame 82is mounted to the rod 79 for lateral movement along the rod 79.

Another frame 84 is mounted to the right side frame 82 for movementrelative to the right side frame 82. The left side frame 84 supports apadded left side head restraint bun 85, which can partially telescopewithin a recess 86 of the right side bun 83. A spring 87 is mounted tothe frames 82, 84 to maintain the head restraint buns 83, 85 in a designposition as illustrated in FIG. 5. Additionally, a stop 88 extends fromthe left side bun 85 for engaging the rod 79 in a limit of a range oftravel of the left side bun 85 in the left direction.

The head restraint 78 operates in communication with the vehicle system22 similar to the prior embodiment. In response to the left turn signal,the solenoid 80 moves the shaft 81 to the right, which shifts the rightside frame 82 and head restraint bun 83 to the right in FIG. 5. Due tothe connection of the head restraint buns 83, 85 through the spring 87,the left side head restraint bun 85 travels to the right in FIG. 5 aswell, thereby improving the occupant's left side range of lateral visionθ′. In response to a right turn signal, the solenoid 80 moves the shaft81 leftward in FIG. 5 thereby moving the shaft 81, frame 82 and rightside head restraint bun 83 to the left for improving the occupant'sright side range of lateral vision φ′. The left side head restraint bun85 may be constrained from movement to the left of the design positiondue to the stop 88, such that the recess 86 receives a portion of theleft side bun 85 within the right side bun 83 as the right side bun 83travels.

In response to a reverse gear signal, the solenoid 80 moves the rightside head restraint bun 83 to the left in FIG. 5 for improving the rightside lateral range of vision φ′, which is utilized for viewing rearwardof the vehicle interior 20. Due to the constrainment of the left sidebun 85 from leftward travel, the left side bun 85 remains in the designposition to avoid impairing the range of left side lateral vision θ,which may be employed when driving the vehicle in reverse.

In an alternative embodiment, the frames 82, 84 may be formed integrallyand the head restraint buns 83, 85 may be formed integrally for uniformtravel. The linear solenoid 80 may have a lengthwise shaft 81 thatextends from both lateral directions of the solenoid 80. Both shaft ends81 may be secured to the frames 82, 84. In another alternativeembodiment, a lock may be provided to prevent manual movement of thehead restraint buns 83, 85.

In one embodiment, the head restraint 78 has a lateral width ofseventeen centimeters (plus suitable tolerances) plus the overall lengthof travel so that when either head restraint bun 83, 85 is moved, theshortened lateral side of the head restraint bun 83, 85 relative tocenter of the head restraint 78 is eighty-five millimeters plus suitabletolerances.

Referring now to FIG. 6, another embodiment head restraint 90 isillustrated in accordance with the present invention. The head restraint90 includes a center bun 92 and a pair of lateral buns 94, 96 eachoriented on one lateral side of the center bun 92. Each lateral bun 94,96 may move laterally towards the center bun 92 and longitudinallyrearward to the orientations illustrated in phantom in FIG. 6. Thus, thelateral buns 94, 96 may be displaced generally rearward of the centerbun 92 without retracting into the center bun 92. This movement mayoperate simultaneously or individually.

With reference to FIG. 7, the head restraint 90 is illustrated infurther detail. A rod 98 extends through the center bun 92 forsupporting the head restraint 90 relative to the seat back 34. A pair ofsolenoids 100, 102 are mounted to the rod 98 for driving the lateralbuns 94, 96. Each lateral bun 94, 96 is mounted to a linear track 104,106 on the center bun 92. The linear tracks 104, 106 are each angledlaterally inboard and rearward for moving the lateral buns 94, 96 asillustrated in FIG. 6. Each of the solenoids 100, 102 drives a cable108, 110 that is mounted to the corresponding lateral bun 94, 96 formoving the lateral buns 94, 96. As illustrated, the cables 108, 110 eachextend into their respective lateral buns 94, 96 for displacing thelength of each cable 108, 110 relative to the tracks 104, 106.Alternatively, the solenoids 100, 102 may be aligned with the respectivelateral buns 94, 96 so that the cables 108, 110 extend directly to thelateral buns 94, 98 to obviate pulleys or turns in the path of thecables 108, 110. Additionally, each lateral bun 94, 96 may be mounted tothe center bun 92 by an extension spring 112, 114 for returning thelateral buns 94, 96 to the rest position in absence of actuation fromthe solenoids 100, 102. Although cables 108, 110 are depicted in thepresent embodiment, links may be employed for actuating the lateral buns94, 96.

In operation, in response to a reverse signal from the vehicle system22, the solenoids 100, 102 may each move the cables 108, 110 towards thesolenoids 100, 102 thereby moving both lateral buns 94, 96 upon thetracks 104, 106 rearward and laterally inboard. In absence of thesignal, the springs 112, 116 may return the lateral buns 94, 96 to therest position illustrated in FIG. 7.

In response to a left turn signal, solenoid 100 may retract the cable108 thereby moving the left lateral bun 94 down and to the right in FIG.7. In the absence of the signal, the return spring 112 may return thebun 94 to the position. In response to a right turn signal, the rightsolenoid 102 may retract the cable 110 thereby moving the right lateralbun along the track 106 centrally and generally rearward of the centerbun 92.

The invention contemplates that a lock 116 may be provided to preventmanual movement of the lateral buns 94, 96. Thus, with reference to theleft lateral bun 94, the cable 108 may disengage the lock 116 andsubsequently move the lateral bun 94 relative to the center bun 92.

The invention also contemplates that the pair of solenoids 100, 102 maybe replaced with a single solenoid such as a dual linear solenoid or arotary solenoid for moving both lateral buns 94, 96 in response to anappropriate input signal, such as a left turn signal, a right turnsignal, a reverse gear signal, or any other appropriate signal.

Referring again to FIG. 6, the center bun 92 may have an overall lateraldimension of seventeen centimeters plus suitable tolerances and the headrestraint 90 may have an overall lateral dimension in the rest position,illustrated in solid, of twenty-eight centimeters plus suitabletolerances.

FIG. 8 illustrates yet another embodiment head restraint 118 inaccordance with the present invention. The head restraint 118 includes astationary center bun 120 with a pair of lateral buns 122, 124. Eachlateral bun 122, 124 is connected to the center bun 120 by a rotaryactuator such as a rotary solenoid 126, 128. The rotary solenoids 126,128 are in electrical communication with the vehicle system 22 forrotating the lateral buns 122, 124 generally rearward of the center bun120 and laterally inward as illustrated in phantom for the left sidelateral bun 122 in FIG. 8. Thus, in response to the left turn signal,the left rotary solenoid 126 may rotate the left lateral bun 122 asillustrated in phantom. In response to a right turn signal, the rightrotary solenoid 128 may rotate the lateral bun 124 inward and rearwardsuch as the temporary position illustrated for the left lateral bun 122.Accordingly, both rotary solenoids 126, 128 moves the lateral buns 122,124 in response to a reverse drive signal.

The center bun 120 may be sized with recesses to receive the lateralbuns 122, 124 into the center bun 120 in the retracted positions. Inaccordance with the present invention the lateral buns 122, 124 mayrotate about a vertical axis as illustrated, or any suitable axis forimproving lateral vision. For example, the lateral buns 122, 124 mayrotate about a fore-aft axis or a cross-car axis.

Accordingly, various styles and designs may be employed within thespirit and scope of the present invention. For an embodiment wherein thelateral buns do not obfuscate the view for turning left or right, thelateral buns may remain stationary. Such a signal may be provided fromthe CPU 42 as a function of speed of the vehicle. Additionally, toprevent inadvertent movement of the lateral buns, the CPU 42 may refrainfrom sending the movement signal unless the transmission 46 is in areverse or drive condition. Thus, inadvertent actuation of the turnindicator lever 48 when the vehicle is parked may not move the lateralbuns. For solenoids such as the rotary solenoids 126, 128, mechanicalreturns such as torsion springs may return the buns 122, 124 to the restposition. Alternatively, the design logic may provide a reset from thetransmission 46 being shifted into a forward gear by the shifter 44, orby absence of a turn signal indication signal as prompted by the turnindicator lever 48.

Referring now to FIG. 9, another embodiment head restraint 130 isillustrated within the spirit and scope of the present invention. Thehead restraint 130 includes a center bun 132 supported upon a rod 134. Apair of stationary lateral buns 136, 138 extend from the lower region ofthe center bun 132 beneath a range of lateral vision of the occupant O.A pair of movable lateral buns 140, 142 are provided above thestationary lateral buns 136, 138 and within a range of lateral vision ofthe occupant O. The movable lateral buns 140, 142 are each mounted to atrack 144, 146 on the center bun 132. The movable lateral buns 140, 142are driven by a solenoid 148 that drives cables 150, 152 connected tothe movable lateral buns 140, 142. Each movable lateral bun 140, 142 isoversized relative to the stationary lateral buns 136, 138 and has ahollow region for telescoping over the stationary lateral buns 136, 138as illustrated in phantom in FIG. 9. Thus, in response to a signal fromthe vehicle system 22, the movable lateral buns 140, 142 drop over thestationary lateral buns 136, 138 thereby permitting the occupant O topeer over the lowered movable lateral buns 140, 142 and thus enhancingan overall lateral range of vision θ′, φ′.

In accordance with the present invention, the lower lateral buns 136,138 may be movable to telescope into the upper lateral buns 140, 142 toaccommodate occupants of varying height. In another embodiment, the headrestraint 130 may be reversed from the orientation depicted in FIG. 9,with the rods 134 extending from the opposed side of the center bun 132so that the stationary lateral buns 136, 138 are oriented above themovable lateral buns 140, 142.

With reference now to FIG. 10, a top plan view of another telescopinghead restraint embodiment is illustrated and indicated generally bynumeral 154. The head restraint 154 has a rear base 156 with a centerbun 158 and a pair of lateral buns 160, 162 extending from the base 156.The lateral buns 160, 162 are mounted on tracks 164, 166 and areconnected to cables 168, 170, which are driven by a solenoid 172 formoving the lateral buns 160, 162. In response to a turn or reversesignal, the lateral buns 160, 162 are retracted within the base 156 asillustrated in phantom in FIG. 10. Thus, various retractable ortelescoping head restraint embodiments may be utilized depending on thestyle and design characteristics for a given vehicle interior.

Although various head restraint embodiments are illustrated anddescribed, the invention contemplates various head restraint embodimentswithin the spirit and scope of the present invention, including thecombination of the teachings of the present invention with other headrestraint adjustment features. For example, the head restraint may beadjustable relative to the seat back to provide various positionssuitable to variable sized occupants. Additionally, the head restraintmay be incorporated into an active and passive head restraint thatdeploys forward during impact conditions. Of course, other variationsand combinations may be provided in accordance with the presentinvention.

In summary, various head restraint embodiments are illustrated formaximizing safety and vision of the occupant by moving the headrestraint of the occupant's seat.

While embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described,it is not intended that these embodiments illustrate and describe allpossible forms of the invention. Rather, the words used in thespecification are words of description rather than limitation, and it isunderstood that various changes may be made without departing from thespirit and scope of the invention.

1. A head restraint for a vehicle seat comprising: a central headrestraint portion extending from a seat back of a vehicle seat forsupporting a head of an occupant seated upon the vehicle seat; at leastone lateral head restraint portion oriented at a lateral side of thecentral head restraint portion for supporting the head of the occupant,the lateral head restraint portion being movable relative to the centralhead restraint portion; and an actuator in operable engagement with thelateral head restraint portion for moving the lateral head restraintportion out of a lateral line of sight of the occupant in response to aninput from the vehicle.
 2. The head restraint of claim 1 furthercomprising a second lateral head restraint portion oriented at anotherlateral side of the central head restraint portion spaced apart from theother lateral head restraint portion, for supporting the head of theoccupant, the second lateral head restraint portion being movablerelative to the central head restraint portion, the second lateral headrestraint portion being in operable engagement with the actuator forbeing moved by the actuator in response to an input from the occupant.3. The head restraint of claim 1 wherein the input is generated inresponse to the occupant actuating a gear shifter into reverse so thatthe lateral head restraint portion moves out of the lateral line ofvision for improving the view of the occupant for driving in reverse. 4.The head restraint of claim 1 wherein the input is generated in responseto the occupant actuating a turn signal indicator so that the lateralhead restraint portion moves out of the lateral line of vision forimproving the view of the occupant to a lateral side of the vehicle. 5.The head restraint of claim 1 wherein the input is provided by aprocessor of the vehicle, which receives a signal from the occupant. 6.The head restraint of claim 1 wherein the lateral head restraint portionmoves laterally and rearward relative to the central head restraintportion.
 7. The head restraint of claim 1 wherein the actuator furthercomprises a solenoid.
 8. The head restraint of claim 1 wherein thelateral head restraint portion is mounted on a track on the central headrestraint portion for movement relative to the central head restraintportion.
 9. The head restraint of claim 1 further comprising a biasingmember in operable engagement with the central head restraint portionand the lateral head restraint portion for maintaining the lateral headrestraint portion in a rest position in absence of actuation by theactuator.
 10. The head restraint of claim 1 wherein the actuator furthercomprises a cable mounted to the lateral head restraint portion and thecentral head restraint portion for moving the lateral head restraintportion relative to the central head restraint portion.
 11. The headrestraint of claim 1 wherein the lateral head restraint portion ispivotally connected to the central head restraint portion for rotarymovement relative to central head restraint portion.
 12. The headrestraint of claim 1 wherein the lateral head restraint portion isretractable within the central head restraint portion.
 13. The headrestraint of claim 1 wherein the actuator further comprises a rotarysolenoid.
 14. The head restraint of claim 1 wherein the actuator furthercomprises a slider-crank mechanism for moving the lateral head restraintportion.
 15. The head restraint of claim 1 further comprising astationary lateral head restraint portion, wherein the movable lateralhead restraint portion telescopes relative to the stationary lateralhead restraint portion.
 16. The head restraint of claim 15 wherein thestationary lateral head restraint portion is oriented beneath themovable head restraint portion.
 17. The head restraint of claim 15wherein the stationary lateral head restraint portion is orientedrearward of the movable head restraint portion.
 18. The head restraintof claim 15 wherein the movable lateral head restraint portiontelescopes into the stationary lateral head restraint portion.
 19. Ahead restraint for a vehicle seat comprising: a rod adapted to extendfrom a seatback; a head restraint mounted to the rod for lateralmovement relative to the seatback; and an actuator in operableengagement with the rod and the head restraint for moving the headrestraint laterally in response to an input from the occupant.
 20. Avehicle seat comprising: a seat bottom for supporting an occupant seatedthereon; a seat back oriented adjacent to the seat bottom for supportinga back of the occupant; a central head restraint portion extending fromthe seat back of a vehicle seat for supporting a head of the occupantseated upon the vehicle seat; a pair of lateral head restraint portions,each oriented at one of a pair of lateral sides of the central headrestraint portion for supporting the head of the occupant, the pair oflateral head restraint portions each being movable relative to thecentral head restraint portion; and an actuator in operable engagementwith the pair of lateral head restraint portions for moving the lateralhead restraint portions out of a lateral line of sight of the occupantin response to an input from the vehicle.